Rim of a Vessel

Art Historical Context

This delicate rim from a glass vessel, dating to the 4th–early 5th century offers a glimpse into Coptic craftsmanship from early Christian Egypt. Crafted by an unknown artist, this fragmentpreserved in a 3⅝-inch (9.2 cm) petri dishsurvives from what was likely a larger utilitarian or ceremonial object. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Department (acquired through the Rogers Fund in 8), it exemplifies the glass production of the Coptic culture, which flourished in Egypt during Late Antiquity. Glassmaking reached sophisticated heights in Coptic workshops, blending Roman blowi...